By As Democrats try to come to grips with their party’s meltdown in the election, many have spent most of their time casting blame, especially on Kamala Harris and Democratic Chairman Jaime Harrison.
Now, as Democrats think about who could save them in 2028, one person is gaining momentum as an early favorite.
No, it’s not Josh Shapiro, the popular governor from the all-important swing state of Pennsylvania. Instead, many Democrats have turned their hopes to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Democratic strategists are abuzz with discussions about the New York congresswoman’s potential, citing her capacity to galvanize young voters and her reputation as a dynamic and influential figure within the party.
The Daily Mail writes that the leftist Congresswoman has been a polarizing figure ever since she upset powerful establishment Democrat Joe Crowley in a primary in 2018, winning a seat in the House at just 29 years old.
The 2028 election – which Donald Trump has said he will not run in, leaving both parties with open primaries – will be the first one where Ocasio-Cortez can legally run, as the Constitution states you must be 35.
Though the Congresswoman has made no public indications she will run, multiple sources told the site she would be a top candidate.
‘She’s somebody who can cut through the noise and doesn’t talk like Washington,’ said one party insider.
Matt Gaetz, the former Republican congressman and surprise friend to AOC, added more fuel to the AOC speculation.
Alex has told people she’s running in 2028 since 2019. https://t.co/ulDnkozFod
— Former Congressman Matt Gaetz (@FmrRepMattGaetz) November 29, 2024
Ocasio-Cortez gained national prominence for her unorthodox approach to politics, often bypassing traditional methods to speak directly to her audience. Her adept use of social media platforms allows her to connect with millions in a style that feels authentic and relatable. One Democratic strategist highlighted this appeal, noting how she manages to cut through political noise by avoiding typical “Washington” talk, resonating particularly with younger generations, explained The Hill.
“Democrats say Ocasio-Cortez would be a magnet for young voters and would have little trouble using social media, podcasts and other online tools, as she has been doing since she was elected to Congress in 2018.”
At 39 years old in 2028, Ocasio-Cortez would meet the constitutional age requirement to seek the presidency. Advocates for her candidacy believe her ability to engage with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts could set a new standard for political campaigning in the digital age, particularly as voter outreach increasingly hinges on social media.
The Hill also named Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Gretchen Whitmer, JB Pritzker, Josh Shapiro, and Gavin Newsom as potential contenders.
Not everyone is on board with AOC leading the Democrats, however. Former adviser to Bill Clinton, Doug Schoen, said it would be a “disaster” if Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) runs for president in 2028, noted The Washington Examiner.
“I believe the Democratic Party needs to move to the center on cultural issues and on fiscal issues, and be more fiscally disciplined and AOC represents the opposite,” said Schoen, who is a Democratic pollster and strategist, during a Friday appearance on The Ingraham Angle.
He continued, “I think if she runs, it would be a disaster for the party, and I think her chance of getting nominated would be nil.”
Monica Crowley, former Trump assistant treasury secretary, told Republicans they should be careful what they wish for, though.
“Just a word of warning to the Republicans, to my party, do not underestimate AOC,” Crowley said on Friday. “She’s young, she’s vibrant, she’s attractive. I think she’s wrong on everything, but she does have real grassroots support, and all of the energy and activism in the Democrat Party remains with the revolutionary left of which she is a part.”
[Read More: Tom Homan Calls Mayor’s Bluff]
